Canberra has announced the signature of forward Luke Bateman for the 2020 season, after signing a one-year deal.
A knee injury has kept Bateman sidelined for the majority of the season, although the 24-year-old is hoping to make an impact in the nation's capital in 2020.
“Obviously I’ve had a disappointing season with injury which set me back and didn’t allow me to push my case for an NRL position, but I love this club and I’ve always said that and I’m happy to stay and keep working hard to try and get back into the NRL team,” Bateman told the club's website.
“My plan is to have a really big off-season and work as had as I can to get back into the NRL side. I’m not done with playing first grade and I want to be there where I can to help the club I love continue with their success.”
Bateman has played 71 games for the Raiders, including 65 over the past three seasons.
The forward sees his future in Canberra, saying he wants to be part of the Raiders' future.
“I never wanted to go and play anywhere else, these guys are my mates and I’m loving seeing the success they are having this year,” he said.
“It makes me hungry to get my body right and work as hard as I can to be a part of it in the future.